FEATURE - Summer Golf’26

With a wealth of beautiful courses to choose from, we sent our trusty correspondent, Bob Montgomery, out to play a few and chat with the pros and/or owners. Bob loves to play golf and you can find him on the links every Friday afternoon. (We plan our assignments for him around his golf game!)

The Seaforth Golf Course is one of the older courses in Huron County, currently in its 66th year of operation and is co-owned by Carolanne Doig, daughter of one of the founders.

The idea for their own course was sparked when avid golfers Ken Doig and his brother Rod were driving home from watching Arnold Palmer in a tournament. Inspired by the contrast between Scotland’s hilly inland courses and flatter shoreline courses—where Ken learned to golf—they realized they could convert their family farm into a course.

The brothers bought the farm from their father, but that was just the first step. The initial challenge was financing the construction. When they sought support at the Seaforth Legion, a couple of people dismissed the idea, saying Seaforth already had a course in Mitchell. This perceived snub became the key "incentive" Ken and Rod needed, leading several local businessmen to visit the farm the next day to provide financial aid and support.

The course started with nine holes, with only the ninth hole still in its original location. As business grew, they expanded to 13 holes. This temporary layout required golfers to play a complicated loop (the first five holes, then the original nine, back to the first tee for the first five again, followed by six through nine in a different way). This configuration was functional, as it ensured golfers passed the clubhouse for snacks and washrooms. Eventually, they acquired eighty acres to the west, allowing them to create the current holes 11 to 15.

From 2008 to 2011, Seaforth hosted the Country Classic, which was part of the Canadian Tour. The 2011 event was particularly memorable: a tornado was tearing through Goderich while they hosted the tournament, a situation unknown to staff until several volunteers rushed to Goderich to help with the disaster relief.

Facility Manager Reegan Price emphasizes improving the member experience and, for this year, making the course more welcoming to non-members. Seaforth continues to host successful events, including a recent sold-out tournament with 144 golfers. To attract more non-golfers, they are increasing food and beverage hours on Friday evenings and launching the "Wednesday Night Wind Down" to promote patio use, demonstrating that the Seaforth Golf Course is a resource for the entire community. 42990 Front Rd, Seaforth www.seaforthgolf.com

 

For over 45 years, the Goderich Sunset Golf Club has been a staple for golfers in the community. According to General Manager Jim Kardash, the course was specifically engineered to challenge golfers of every expertise level. Its layout features narrow fairways lined with trees, strategically positioned sand traps, and water hazards that impact play on 13 different holes.

The facility offers diverse playing options, including an 18-hole championship course, a widely used driving range, and a nine-hole par-three course. Kardash notes that the par-three course is particularly beneficial for seniors, beginners, and those looking to refine their short game, such as putting and chipping. 

To encourage the next generation of players, the club offers free driving range access to children under 12 during the summer months. Kardash believes this initiative helps families step away from digital screens to enjoy outdoor quality time, potentially fostering a lifelong passion for golf.

While much of the course has remained consistent over the years, a significant structural change was implemented this year: the ninth and eighteenth holes have been reverted to their original locations. Although having the eighteenth hole near the patio allowed spectators to watch tournament finishes, the previous configuration caused persistent confusion and "crossover" issues. This was especially problematic for occasional visitors and cottagers, leading to frustrations among regular members. Kardash decided to rectify this to improve the overall player experience, noting that any other recent updates have been purely cosmetic.

Situated on Highway 21 just north of Goderich, the club is conveniently located for local residents and visitors alike. Its proximity to Point Farms and the various cottage communities along the Lake Huron shoreline—including those from Kincardine, Bluewater, Woodlands, and Ainsdale—makes it a popular destination for seasonal residents. The course is easily accessible via Golf Course Road, and the club's website provides further directions along with photos of the grounds. www.sunsetgolfclub.com  33937 Golf Course Rd, Goderich

The landscape of the White Squirrel Golf Club in Grand Bend has seen a transformation since Mac Voisin, the founder of M&M Food Market, took the helm. Now entering its ninth year under current leadership, the club has been undergoing a steady evolution. Director of Golf Operations Brittany Nigh notes that a major renovation project launched in 2020 has breathed new life into the grounds, including a brand-new green for the ninth hole and an expanded pond and updated tee decks on the tenth.

The improvements extend beyond the greens themselves. Over the past several seasons, the team has been systematically redoing tee decks across the course and installing a comprehensive network of cart paths. These paths, connecting every green to the subsequent tee, have significantly improved the overall condition of the turf by managing traffic flow. To navigate these paths, the club recently introduced a fleet of ultra-quiet gas carts. Moving away from traditional bench seating, these carts feature automotive-style bucket seats and integrated GPS screens. These digital companions act as a high-tech caddy, providing golfers with precise yardages to hazards, trees, and bunkers, and offering a strategic overview of each hole.

For those looking to sharpen their game, the facility’s driving range offers a versatile practice space. Spanning 260 yards, the range features an artificial tee deck that defies the limitations of the seasons. Because it doesn’t rely on grass regeneration, the range can open as early as April 1 and remain available through the end of the year. 

The on-site restaurant remains a perennial fixture, maintaining operations throughout the entire year. Following the conclusion of the golf season, the venue transitions through the festive Christmas period before shifting to a schedule of Thursday through Sunday service for the remainder of the winter months. To support these extensive operations, the club maintains a robust workforce of approximately 100 staff members, with a dedicated core of forty employees serving year-round and the balance joining as seasonal support during peak periods.

Open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., it serves as a reliable resource for golfers throughout the community. 72538 Bluewater Hwy, Zurich www.whitesquirrelgolfclub.com

The Woodlands Links course, a family-owned institution, opened its doors in 1999. According to Marketing and Events Coordinator Autumn Fleming, the club has implemented a major technological update this year by installing GPS systems in all 52 of its carts. These systems provide golfers with precise distances from the tee and help ensure they stay out of restricted zones, which has been well-received by players. In addition to a driving range and putting green, the club protects its greens over the winter with tarps, ensuring they are in excellent condition for the season.

Woodlands Links is recognized as one of the longest courses in Huron County. The twelfth hole is frequently cited for its difficulty, featuring a challenging dogleg right at the top of a hill. Golfers must resist driving too long off the tee, which would send the ball past the turn and into the woods. The strategy is to play straight until reaching the hilltop, then execute a sharp right turn to follow the fairway to the green.

True to its slogan, "the way nature intended," the course is home to a variety of wildlife.This course, designed and built, run and owned by Gordon and Paula Lobb is sure to please all who visit. Another attraction is the club house designed from the existing post and beam bank barn dating back to 1840, paying homage to its beginnings as a family farm.

Recognizing past confusion regarding eligibility, the club is increasing signage this year to encourage greater participation in its numerous tournaments. Furthermore, they are launching a new beginner's program called Green Start Golf. This program is designed for children who are not ready to join a formal league but want to learn the fundamental rules and etiquette of golf. 

For more than a century, the Maitland Golf Course in Goderich has provided a picturesque yet demanding nine-hole experience situated along the banks of the Maitland River where it meets the waters of Lake Huron.

Pro Shop Manager Corey Haylow notes that the course’s prime location appeals to local residents, seasonal visitors, and tourists. The facility features a comprehensive pro shop, rental equipment, and a variety of power and pull carts, supporting a robust schedule of leagues and tournaments for juniors, seniors, men, and women. A recent structural adjustment has seen another hole moved to the lower portion of the property, creating a balance of five holes on the upper level and four below. Haylow explains that the lower section offers a sanctuary from the breeze on certain days, while at other times, the wind introduces a spirited element of adventure to the game. This riverside fairway is celebrated for its natural splendor, frequently hosting local wildlife; sightings of deer, foxes, and the occasional coyote are common occurrences near the water’s edge.

According to Haylow, the Maitland provides a distinctive atmosphere for events, blending high-quality play with breathtaking vistas. Despite its nine-hole layout, the club accommodates both nine and 18-hole tournament formats, with power carts readily available to enhance the player experience.

The River Run Restaurant, a haven for delectable culinary experiences, is open to the public for both lunch and dinner. Amidst these breathtaking surroundings, patrons can relish not only its culinary delights but also panoramic river views that inspire awe. www.themaitland.com 25 North Harbour Rd E, Goderich

Tucked into the rolling hills of Huron County, the Maitland Links Golf Club feels less like a course and more like a carefully preserved piece of local history. Established in 1950 on former farmland, the layout respects the natural contours of the land, offering a golfing experience that is as much a nature walk as it is a game. Since local partners, including seasoned superintendent Scott Bowman—whose impressive resume includes Glen Abbey and the Canadian Open—took the helm in early 2025, there’s a renewed energy in the air. General Manager Greg Graham notes that the community has already fallen in love with the refined greens and meticulously kept fairways.

The magic begins right at the first tee. This par-five dogleg left is a local favorite, not just for the challenge, but for the sensory journey it provides. As you round the bend toward the green, the gentle rush of the Maitland River provides a soothing soundtrack. If you keep your eyes peeled, you might just spot a bald eagle diving for its lunch in the river below—a sight that makes navigating the strategically placed trees feel like a privilege rather than a hazard.

It’s the sense of community that truly defines this stop along the way. Whether you’re joining a local tournament or just stopping by for a quiet afternoon round, the welcoming atmosphere is unmistakable. To discover this charming piece of Wingham’s backyard for yourself, visit www.maitlandlinks.ca and plan your own local escape. 40292 Jamestown Rd, Wingham

Under the management of Golf North, the Exeter region boasts two distinct destinations for enthusiasts of the game. The Ironwood Golf Course, situated on Morrison Line, can be found just south of the Ausable Bayfield Conservation Authority headquarters.

General Manager Michele Hodgert oversees the facility, which underwent a significant expansion to 18 holes during the 1990s. According to Hodgert, the seventh hole—bordering the pond—is a frequent topic of discussion among players. She notes that many golfers often overestimate their ability to clear the water hazard when playing from the blue tees. To support those new to the sport, the club encourages beginners to start on the red tees. Hodgert observes that while some are eager to tackle the greater challenges immediately, those who take the time to build their confidence on the shorter layout typically appreciate the smoother learning curve. https://golfnorth.ca/ironwood  70969 Morrison Line, Exeter

Further south on Kirkton Road lies the Exeter Golf Course, a charming nine-hole layout with roots dating back to 1961. Like many local treasures, it began when a visionary farmer decided to transform his family acreage into a community resource.

The centerpiece of the property is a breathtakingly restored turn-of-the-century barn that serves as the clubhouse. Renovated using industrial-inspired natural materials, the interior highlights original beams and antique agricultural implements to foster a relaxed, inclusive atmosphere. The mission remains unchanged: to provide this industrious community with an enjoyable round of golf and "to die for" rustic comfort food. With a dedicated team of local staff and drinks served in classic mason jars, the barn remains a place where work boots and high heels are equally at home. https://golfnorth.ca/exeter  40374 Kirkton Rd, Centralia